How do I remove suntan lotion stains from cotton seersucker?

The best way to clean suntan lotion stains from cotton seersucker is to use mild soap and cold water. If that doesn't work, try using a rubbing alcohol or an ammonia-based stain remover. If all else fails, you can always take your garment to the cleaners.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Suntan lotion > Cotton seersucker

Eliminating Suntan Lotion Stains from Cotton Seersucker Clothing

Nothing is worse than discovering a telltale stain on your favorite piece of clothing, especially if it's a cotton seersucker fabric. Fortunately, with some common household items, you can easily remove suntan lotion stains from cotton seersucker fabric and make your clothing look like new.

Updated 13 Mar 2023

By Cyryl Wozniak

Remove Fresh Stains with Mild Soap

If the suntan lotion stain is still fresh, it may be possible to remove it with a mild soap and cold water. Fill a sink or bucket with cold water and add a couple of drops of mild dishwashing liquid. To test, rub a small amount of the mixture on an area of fabric that will not show. If there are no ill effects, submerge the entire suntan lotion-stained item and let it soak for up to 30 minutes.

Once the item has soaked, use a nonabrasive cloth to gently apply pressure as you wipe the spot in a circular motion. Alternatively, you could also try using a toothbrush. Once you’re finished, rinse the item in cold water and hang it up to dry.

Use Rubbing Alcohol

If stain doesn’t respond to the soap and water technique, the next step is to tackle it with rubbing alcohol. To start, lay the item down on a flat and waterproof surface. Then, pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a clean white cloth and dab the stain cautiously. Don't rub too hard or you may cause the stain to spread or become discolored.

Let the alcohol sit on the garment for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. Depending on severity of the stain, you may have to repeat this process several times. Once you’re finished, rinse the item in cold water and dry it according to care instructions on the tag.

Tried and True Stain Removers

If the suntan lotion stain is still proving difficult to remove, there are some over-the-counter solutions that may help. Ammonia-based stain removers are great for treating tough, oil-based stains. Apply product according to the directions and wait a few minutes before rinsing the item in cold water.

Another option is to opt for an enzyme detergent, which is designed to break down proteins and grease. Make sure to always read the directions carefully and thoroughly rinse the item afterward. For the best results possible, soak the item in a warm water-detergent solution for 30 minutes.

Schedule a Visit with the Cleaners

If all else fails, the final option is professional cleaning. While this can be costly, it’s sometimes necessary for removing tough suntan lotion stains from fabric. Keep in mind that the dry-cleaning process uses powerful chemicals, so always read care tag on your seersucker clothing beforehand.

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